How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey! So you wanna become a substitute teacher in Texas? That’s awesome! Like, super awesome. Maybe your friends told you it’s easy money or you just want to see kids try to explain why they didn’t do their homework again. Either way, being a sub is a wild ride. Buckle up buttercup because I’m gonna give you the ultimate guide on how to get there.

Step 1: Do You Even Need a Degree?

Okay first things first. Do you have a college degree? If yes, high five! You can skip some steps cause you’ll need that shiny piece of paper to become a sub. But if you don’t have one, no worries! In Texas, sometimes all you need is a pulse and the ability to babysit… I mean teach kids. So check with your local school district for specifics ’cause some are real picky.

Step 2: Get Your Background Check

Next up is the background check. This is super important. They wanna make sure you’re not secretly an evil villain or something (who would’ve thought?). So get ready to give them all your info like you’re signing away your life at a reality show audition. Just remember, it’s normal and totally boring, not like an episode of CSI.

Step 3: Fill Out Some Forms

Now it’s form time! Grab your coffee ’cause this might take a hot minute. You’re gonna be filling out so many forms it feels like you’re buying a house or adopting a puppy—except it’s just for substitute teaching. Make sure your handwriting is legible too, because if they can’t read it, they might think you’re trying to join Hogwarts instead of becoming a sub.

Step 4: Go to Orientation (Yawn)

Alright after you’ve filled out all those fun forms you’ll probably have to go to an orientation thingy. It may sound boring but this is where they tell ya about all the rules and stuff—like what happens if you accidentally set off the fire alarm while trying to microwave your lunch? Honestly who knew teaching was so complicated?

Step 5: Grab That Sub License

Yeah man! After surviving orientation, you’re finally ready to get your substitute teaching license! This could also involve more paperwork but hey at least now you’re close. Just think about the funny stories you’ll tell later whenever someone asks what you do for work.

Step 6: Try Not To Cry On Your First Day

On your first day as a substitute teacher, don’t panic! Take deep breaths… or do jumping jacks… whatever works for you. And remember every kid will look at you like you’re speaking alien language when you say “let’s sit down and learn.” But who knows? You could even win them over with magic tricks or snacks!

Step 7: Gather Your Survival Kit

Okay last step before entering the wild jungle that is middle school – make yourself a survival kit! It should have:
– Snacks for bribing kids
– A giant eraser for when someone thinks throwing pencils is cool
– A secret stash of fun games (that don’t involve actual learning)
– And maybe some adult-size earbuds for when things get too loud
Trust me on this one!

Fun FAQ Section

Question:
How much money can I make as a sub?

Answer:
Well that depends! Some places pay ok while others are like “here’s two bucks and some gum.” But either way, doing this could put some cash in your pocket while keeping crazy children entertained.

Question:
Is being a sub hard?

Answer:
It’s actually kinda like herding cats sometimes… Other times it’s like putting toothpaste back in the tube but hey there are free snacks involved usually so that helps.

Question:
Do I really need my own supplies?

Answer:
Yes!! Bring pens and paper and refreshments ’cause no one wants hangry kids when they’re figuring out how addition works.

Question:
Will I need lesson plans?

Answer:
Not really! Most times teachers leave stuff behind so you’ll be okay unless they’re being mysterious with their plans… then good luck!

Question:
Can I choose what grade I teach?

Answer:
Sorta! You might get placed wherever… One day you’re in kindergarten reading stories then next day boom—you’re wrangling high schoolers who think they’re experts on everything!

Question:
What if I forget names?

Answer:
Just call them “Champ” or “Buddy.” Kids love nicknames even if it’s slightly weird; it’ll be memorable trust me!

Question:
Should I bring my dog as comfort support?

Answer:
Please don’t unless it’s trained better than the students haha… dogs tend to steal the attention away from lessons… Unless that’s what you’re going for!

And there ya go folks! Now you’re ready to tackle substitute teaching in Texas like an absolute pro or at least give it your best shot haha Good luck out there hero!